Hell Is Us: A Soulslike Exploring Real-World Atrocities

Last Updated: October 23, 2025

The upcoming action-adventure game *Hell is Us* plunges players into a world grappling not with mythical dragons or ancient curses, but with the visceral, tangible aftermath of human atrocity. Following a significant re-reveal, the title from publisher Nacon and developer Rogue Factor stands as one of the most intriguing takes on the Soulslike genre, grounding its brutal combat and challenging exploration in a setting that mirrors the horrors of real-world civil conflict.

Led by the creative vision of Jonathan Jacques-Belletête, the acclaimed art director behind *Deus Ex: Human Revolution*, the game aims to explore the lasting consequences of violence in a world where humanity itself is the source of hell.

The Calamity in Taurac

Set in the fictional, isolated country of Taurac, the game puts players in the shoes of the protagonist, Ansel. He has returned to his homeland amidst a brutal civil war only to find it beset by a supernatural phenomenon known as "The Calamity." This strange plague generates monstrous beings called Revenants, which appear as eerie, animated versions of the nation's statues and monuments—physical manifestations of the country’s violent history and collective trauma. This approach immediately sets *Hell is Us* apart, trading the crumbling gothic castles of its genre peers for the haunting, recognizable ruins of a modern society torn apart by sectarian hatred and war.

Gameplay and Immersion

The integration of these dark themes into the gameplay mechanics is central to the game’s identity. In a bold design choice, Rogue Factor has completely removed traditional maps, compasses, and quest markers. Players must navigate the semi-open world by learning the environment, relying on landmarks, and using their own intuition to decipher where to go next. This forces a deep level of immersion and reinforces the feeling of being a lost soul in a hostile, unfamiliar land where the path forward is never clear.

Combat and Progression

Combat is a unique, strategic dance. Ansel fights the Revenants using a combination of special axes and swords alongside a personal drone. The creatures are protected by an ethereal shell, and players must use the drone to reveal their weak points before striking with melee weapons. Ansel can also infuse his blade with the supernatural energy of the Calamity, suggesting a deep progression system tied directly to the world's central mystery. This deliberate, thoughtful combat loop mirrors the struggles of those who have experienced the horrors depicted, making survival feel earned and consequential.

A Provocative Theme

The use of real-world-adjacent atrocities as a central theme is a provocative move. Where some games might trivialize or sensationalize suffering, *Hell is Us* appears to be using its Unreal Engine 5-powered world to tell a responsible, impactful story about trauma. The title itself suggests the core thesis: the monsters are not an external evil, but a product of humanity's own capacity for violence. By forcing players to confront the physical and psychological toll of conflict, the game poses difficult questions about the nature of evil and the scars it leaves behind.

Shaping the Soulslike Future

As it targets a 2025 release for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, *Hell is Us* is not just asking about the future of the Soulslike genre—it is actively shaping it. By stripping away conventional guidance systems and rooting its horror in believable human conflict, it promises a mature, thought-provoking experience that demands attention. Its unflinching narrative is a bold choice, but one that, combined with its innovative mechanics, makes it a truly unique and potent force on the horizon of interactive entertainment.